VAR howler costs Gunners as Wolves claim vital win
Wolves have beaten Arsenal 2-1 thanks to goals from Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho.
Arsenal took the lead through Nicolas Pepe before a horrendous call from VAR wrongly sent off David Luiz after it appeared the defender brought down Willian Jose. Goals either side of halftime from Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho condemned Arsenal to defeat.
Bukayo Saka returned to the side in what was the only change to the side that drew with Manchester United.
Arsenal started the game like they were shot out of a cannon and should have had the lead just a minute into the match. Thomas Partey played a glorious long ball for Bukayo Saka who brought it down and drove into the Wolves box. Saka lashed his shot into the upright and the ball cannoned off and Wolves blushes were spared.
Just seven minutes later Arsenal thought they had the lead after Saka was involved again and lashed home however after a VAR check it was deemed Alexander Lacazette was offside.
With Partey pulling the strings in midfield, the Gunners dominated the opening exchanges, barely giving Wolves a sniff aside from a long-range shot from Semedo which Leno saved with ease.
The Gunners dominated the game and got their goal just after the half-hour mark. Nicolas Pepe won the ball back for his side before driving into the box, battling through Semedo, going past Ruben Neves, and curling home his shot into the far corner on his weaker side.
One for the cameras 📸#WOLARS pic.twitter.com/5tkZq4szqR
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 2, 2021
It was a deserved lead for the Gunners however Wolves’ response was good as they looked to get back into the game. Arsenal had been resolute in defense however on the stroke of half time the entire game changed.
Willian Jose was through on goal and was adjudged to be brought down by David Luiz who was given his marching orders. It was a clear accident as Jose’s foot clipped Luiz’s knee and the red card should have been changed in what was another howler of a decision by VAR.
Red card – David Luiz is sent off. Penalty to Wolves.#WOLARS 🐺 0-1 ⚪️ (45)
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 2, 2021
Ruben Neves stepped up and hammered home the penalty to bring his side level. Arsenal was down to ten men with the entire second half to go.
Defender Gabriel came on for Alexandre Lacazette to replace David Luiz to shore up the defense however it did not work as just minutes into the half, Wolves were ahead.
Joao Moutinho unleashed a 30-yard strike which found its way past Bernd Leno to heap further misery on Mikel Arteta’s side. As expected Wolves dominated possession and were forcing Arsenal to chase.
Goal for Wolves – Moutinho is the scorer#WOLARS 🐺 2-1 ⚪️ (49)
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 2, 2021
Nicolas Pepe made way for Pierre Emerick Aubameyang as Arsenal looked for more pace on the counter.
If it was not bad enough for the Gunners, it was soon about to be after a long ball was played for Adama Traore. Leno rushed out to neutralize the threat however it was a brain fade from the German keeper as he inexcusably handled the ball outside his area and Arsenal was down to nine men as he was sent off.
Red card – Bernd Leno is sent off.#WOLARS 🐺 2-1 ⚪️ (72)
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 2, 2021
Wolves were enjoying themselves now, a goal up and two men up on Mikel Arteta’s side as it was just damage control now. The hosts seemed content with controlling possession and shifting the ball from side to side.
Arsenal had a chance late on to rescue a point after great work from Hector Bellerin, the Spanish defender picked out Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang however his shot was blocked, and Wolves survived to keep their lead intact and see out the remaining minutes to secure a vital win.
